environmental sustainability
The planet and you
The ecological aspects are probably the ones that come to mind first when it comes to sustainability. Ecology encompasses the interrelationships between us and our environment. If we act in an ecologically sustainable manner, this means that we act in a way that conserves resources, i.e. we use fewer resources than can be regenerated. The simplest example here is certainly deforestation. If I cut down more trees than grow back, then I destroy the balance of our ecosystem and the CO2 levels rise.
Of course, ecology does not only include CO2 values, but also topics such as renewable energy, reducing or eliminating the use of toxins, protecting habitats - almost anything you can think of to reduce our negative impact on the environment contributes.
The textile industry
The textile industry is unfortunately one of the most polluting industries in the world. This begins with the cultivation of the raw materials. Cotton, polyester and dozens more have a negative impact on our environment. Be it due to the vast amounts of water that are required, the use of pesticides/toxic substances or the high energy consumption (click here for detailed information about the different materials) .
It continues with CO2 emissions caused by transport, through other emissions caused by production. Any form of energy, for example in the form of electricity, also has an impact on our climate. If we're being precise, I also have to include the electricity I use to charge my laptop to work. Packaging material that is manufactured and ends up directly in the garbage, the significant impact of returns (read here why there is no free return shipping) and also all the waste that arises from overproduction are just s***.
How absurd is it that we spend (limited) resources to produce something and then it just ends up in the trash while people elsewhere in the world have no clothes? Also, all the poor quality products that are thrown away after 2-3 wears cause nothing but unnecessary impact on our planet and make clothes become perceived as disposable goods.
Everyone has the power to change something
In any case, ecology is the area that you can most easily influence in your everyday life by dealing with your consumer behavior and, for example, switching to more ecologically sustainable alternatives for some products. Don't forget that every action, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction.
Yes, I know what you're thinking now: But as an individual, I have almost no influence that things will get better and by far the biggest and worst effects are caused by the big corporations anyway, so it doesn't really matter.
Point 2 I completely agree with you. But imagine if we all thought like that - right, then nothing would change. But if we start leading by example, then your family and friends will probably start thinking about it too.
We are all at the center of some network. I am convinced that each of us has served as an inspiration for someone else at some point - although often we may not even know it. Maybe also because the action was completely small and insignificant in our eyes, but not for the other person.
Why ecological sustainability?
Lack of sustainability has serious impacts on the environment and climate. Climate change, loss of biodiversity and air and water pollution are just a few examples.
These negative impacts can be reduced through environmental sustainability. In addition, ecological sustainability also brings economic benefits, for example by saving resources and energy.
Strengthening environmental competence in companies and organizations can also have a positive effect on image and competitiveness.
Ecological sustainability in the textile industry
Unfortunately, the textile industry is one of the most environmentally harmful industries in the world. This begins with the cultivation of the raw materials. Cotton, polyester and countless others have a negative impact on our environment. Be it due to the huge amounts of water that are required, the use of pesticides/toxins or the high energy expenditure (CLICK HERE FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT THE DIFFERENT MATERIALS).
It continues with CO2 emissions caused by transport and further emissions caused by production. Any energy, for example in the form of electricity, also has an impact on our climate.
If we take it seriously, I also have to include the electricity with which I charge my laptop to work. Packaging material that is manufactured and ends up directly in the trash, the significant impact of returns (READ HERE WHY THERE ARE NO FREE RETURNS) and all the waste that results from overproduction are simply bullshit.
How absurd is it that we use (limited) resources to produce something and then it just ends up in the trash, while people elsewhere in the world have no clothes?
All the poor quality products that are thrown away after being worn 2-3 times cause nothing but unnecessary impact on our planet and ensure that clothing is now perceived as disposable.
How can I be ecologically sustainable?
Ecological sustainability is a minimum requirement to guarantee a future for ourselves and our planet.
Companies and organizations must be committed to sustainable production and the protection of resources.
We as consumers can also make a contribution, for example by paying attention to the consumption of plastic and the use of renewable energies. Only by acting together can a sustainable future be guaranteed for us and future generations.
In any case, ecology is the area that you can most easily influence in your everyday life by looking at your consumer behavior and, for example, switching to more ecologically sustainable alternatives for some products. Don't forget that every action, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction.
Yes, I know what you're thinking now: But I as an individual have almost no influence on things getting better anyway and by far the biggest and worst effects come from big corporations anyway, so it doesn't really matter.
I completely agree with point 2. But imagine if we all thought like that - right, then nothing would change. But if we start setting a good example, your family and friends will probably start thinking about it too.
We are all at the center of some network. I am convinced that each of us has served as an inspiration to another person - but often we may not even know about it. Maybe because the action was completely small and insignificant in our eyes, but not for the other person.
Short off-topic request:
If someone has done something that inspires you, that has impressed you, or just left a lasting impression on you in general - tell the person about it. I think we rarely share things like this, especially when we're not really close to the person. It can have a huge effect on the other person (and how they feel).
To change governments we need to change corporations. To change corporations we need to change the consumer.
Therefore, I am very much convinced that we as individuals have an influence to change something and if only enough people think and act like this, then the large corporations can no longer avoid changing something on their part. But as long as enough people continue to support the exploitation (of the planet and its inhabitants) by the big corporations, nothing will change.
Let's face it - without outside pressure, the known suspects aren't going to change anything.
In the end they give exactly what consumers want and that will only change if the consumers change.
" Be the change you want to see in the world. "
That doesn't mean that you should completely turn your habits upside down - but ideally simply develop a certain awareness of these things and the changes will come by themselves.
How can you live sustainably and ecologically in everyday life?
Finally, here are ten suggestions on how you can easily be more ecologically sustainable:
1. Use reusable water bottles and coffee cups instead of buying disposable products.
2. Avoid buying products with unnecessary packaging or choose products with recyclable packaging.
3. Separate waste and recycle as much as possible.
4. Reduce your meat consumption and choose sustainably produced foods, such as organic products.
5. Use public transport, bicycles or walk instead of using the car.
6. Avoid buying clothing that was produced under environmentally harmful conditions and choose clothing made from natural, sustainable materials.
7. Use energy-saving devices and make sure you use water and electricity sparingly.
8. Buy local products and support local businesses to reduce transportation costs and carbon emissions.
9. Avoid unnecessary consumption and choose long-lasting products that can be repaired.
10. Find out about the environmental impact of your decisions and talk to friends and family about environmental sustainability.
By incorporating just a few of these suggestions into your everyday life, you can do your part to protect the environment and resources and ensure a sustainable future.
